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The controversy over MP's overseas travel is causing major headaches for the Prime Minister.
But John Key is still backing his political ally, Rodney Hide, who is in the gun for taking his girlfriend on a taxpayer funded trip.
Key says he is more concerned the continuing revelations about MPs spending and behaviour on official trips overseas may be damaging parliament's reputation.
"I think there is a danger the New Zealand public will get the wrong impression."
The impression the public's had is based on a series of revelations.
The first was Labour's Chris Carter, who racked up bills of more than $70,000 in six months.
List MP Roger Douglas was next, using a travel perk to subsidise his holiday in the UK with his wife.
He wasn't sorry about the spending, saying he was entitled to claim back 90% of his overseas travel.
And just after Hide revelations were made public, Maori MP Hone Harawira left an official meeting in Brussels to go with his wife to spend some private time in Paris.
Hide took his girlfriend on his 10 day trip, where he found time to attend her brother's wedding and a stopover at Los Angeles Universal Studios.
The local government minister says it was just good timing.
His boss is buying that argument and admits Hide alerted him before the trip that he would be indulging in private business too.
"If its happened to have worked out that his trip has coincided with this private engagement his partner's wanted to go to that is a fortuitous thing but I'd be surprised if it was that well planned," says Key.
The Speaker has already initiated a number of inquiries into MPs expenses, including their housing allowances, travel and other spending.
He expects to hear back from those investigations early next year and may end up recommending changes be made.
Its changes the prime minister will welcome, if it means he can get on with governing instead of defending fellow politicians.
Add a Comment:
Post new commentcornflower said on 2009-11-09 @ 10:50 NZDT: Report abusive post
The hypocrisy of Hide defies belief.
lizblack said on 2009-11-09 @ 09:00 NZDT: Report abusive post
I agree with Adam that a law change is needed. MP's MUST practise what they preach. It's sad that Rodney Hyde has only changed his mind over misuse of funding because of public outcry. Taxes are not paid to pay for indulgences.
dancingqueen said on 2009-11-09 @ 05:18 NZDT: Report abusive post
OK! while your arranging for Rodney's neck. Sack Chris Carter the little pansy, who was every bit as bad swanning around with his boyfriend, at the Tax Payers costs. He is hopeless case. I would like to see him gone by lunch time.
santa0007 said on 2009-11-09 @ 04:05 NZDT: Report abusive post
Bring back Winston Peters, Many towns & cities could do with his expertise than these guys. Maori things for Maori people,simple really, the Govt has all the marbles, nothing wrong with playing with them.
peteredw said on 2009-11-08 @ 20:50 NZDT: Report abusive post
Good on you, Rodney, for admitting you did wrong. We all do the thing at times and it takes 'guts' to admit our wrongdoing. I accept your apology and will continue to give ACT my Party Vote in elections.